Advantages and Disadvantages of Roofing Shingles
Roofing shingles are individual elements of the roof that are laid over the roof’s structure. These shingles are typically flat and rectangular in shape, and are installed in courses, where each successive course overlaps the joints below it. These shingles provide an effective layer of protection from the elements of weather, wind, and snow. In addition to their aesthetic benefits, they are also resistant to fire. To learn more about the advantages of metal roofing shingles, read on.
There are several types of roof shingles available on the market today. You can choose from asphalt shingles, Three-tab shingles, Cedar shingles, or slate. You can find out more about the pros and cons of each of them in this article. Once you know which type is best for your home, you can get it installed easily and enjoy years of beauty and protection.
Metal roofing shingles are energy-efficient
Modern energy-efficient metal roofing acts as a giant mirror to reflect heat away from the home. White metal roofs are the most reflective, reflecting 67 percent of rays. Darker colors, such as dark blue or black, are less reflective and tend to release heat into the air. In contrast, white metal roofs absorb heat and reflect it away, reducing the overall temperature inside the home. As a result, homeowners or Ottawa roofing companies who install metal roofs in their homes enjoy significant energy savings.
They last longer than asphalt shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles are great for many reasons, but they do have one common flaw – they can’t withstand strong winds. In addition, they are susceptible to damage by hail and ice, and may not be installed properly. Architectural shingles offer more protection against these threats, and many of them even have a protective coating called Scotchgard. The coating prevents algae from growing on the shingles and making them look unsightly. Asphalt roofing shingles are also susceptible to damage due to rain and wind, which can result in algae and moss growing on them.
They are aesthetically pleasing
If you want your home or business to look beautiful, roofing shingles are a great choice. While efficiency is important, aesthetics can’t be ignored, either. The traditional look of wood shingles is a classic choice that won’t date soon. When deciding which type of shingles to use, aesthetics is usually the second priority. A solid dark grey shingle will blend well with the multicolored brickwork and elaborate trim on the home, while a lighter shade will look great against a lighter roof.
They are resistant to fire
The roofing system is the most exposed part of a home, and it’s also the most likely to catch fire. In a wildfire, embers can blow onto the roof long before the fire reaches the building itself. That’s why fire-resistant roofs are often required by local building codes. Fire-resistant shingles are grouped into four classes based on their level of fire resistance. Class A shingles are the strongest and are considered the safest for fire-prone environments. Pressure-treated shakes fall into Class B.
They are vulnerable to rot
When your roof starts to rot, you may not realize it. While your roof retains moisture, it is not able to maintain the shingles’ integrity. Without maintenance, lichens and other organisms can grow on the roof and begin to eat away at the shingles. Although the moss and algae themselves don’t retain moisture, their acidic content is acidic enough to eat through the shingles.
Metal shingles
The advantages of metal roof shingles are several. The material has a low profile and four-way interlocking system that allows for easier walking on them during installation. They also have an easier roof flashing system than a standing seam. And, they can mimic the look of many types of roofing materials. For example, stamped metal shingles mimic the appearance of a traditional metal roof at a fraction of the cost. And, they last for a longer time than standard asphalt shingles.
Felt shingles
Felt roof shingles are a popular roofing option. However, there are some drawbacks to using felt over a synthetic underlayment. Unlike synthetic underlayment, felt absorbs water, which makes it prone to wrinkles and wrinkling. Besides this, felt is heavier than synthetic underlayment and can be difficult to install. It also has a slippery surface and may not protect your roof’s warranty as well.
